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1997/02/24 Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes, *N W ROHNERT PARK PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES February 24, 1997 The Rohnert Park Parks and Recreation Commission met this date at 7:30 p.m. for an adjourned meeting at the Rohnert Park city offi�es, 6750 Commerce Boulevard, Rohnert Park. The meeting was called to order at 7:30 p.m. with Cha Griffin presiding and leading the Pledge of Allegiance. OATH OF OFFICE Recreation Director, James Pekkain, administered the Oath of Office to incoming Commissioners Jerry Griffin and Gary Tatman. ROLL CALL Present: (5) Commissioners Allred, Carlson, Griffin, Stevens and Tatman Also present for the entire meeting was Director of Recreation, James Pekkain. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Upon motion by Commissioner Allred and second by Chair Stevens, the minutes of January 27, 1996, were. unanimously approved as submitted. SARAH CONNELLY Sarah Connelly, student intern from San Francisco State University, who will be working at the Recreation Department was introduced by Director Pekkain. Sarah gave a brief statement of her background and interests and outlined her goals while working for the department. Her major project will be an assessment of programs for individuals with disabilities including creating programs with other non-profit agencies. Chair Griffin welcomed Sarah and invited her to attend any meetings scheduled by the committee studying programs for individuals with disabilities. RANCHO COTATE SPIRITLEADERS Several members of the Rancho Cotate High School Spiritleaders attended the meeting to request $500 in community funds. See request attached to the original copy of these minutes. Their spokeswoman said the squad consists of 40 spiritleaders who are going to Anaheim to compete in the national competition which they were invited to attend after winning a regional competition. A video of last year's competition was shown to the commission. Director Pekkain stated since the spiritleaders had not submitted a written report within three months after receiving funds in 1996 and city department budgets had been reduced by 10%, he could not recommend approving the spiritleaders' request. He stated he felt the funds should be reinstated to city budgets before giving money to outside groups. He said staff recommends the request be denied. Karen McGregor, advisor for the spiritleaders, stated that the group had submitted a report of last year's competition within the 3 month period. She said a video had not been submitted as she was unable to get a copy. Page - 1 Rohnert Park Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes February 24, 1997 The Director said he stood corrected that report was submitted. Commissioner Tatman asked the spiritleaders if they had approached the City of Cotati for funds since they also represent that city. The spiritleaders said they had not, and Commissioner Tatman recommended they ask them as well. Commissioner Stevens asked how fundraising was going, anc the spiritleaders reported on what they had done so far to raise money. Commissioner Allred said she was concerned about receiving last year's report because she remembered asking the Director for it within the 3 months and no report had been received. She stated that due to budget cuts; the Director's recommendation and the many costs of sending children through school, she would have to agree with the Director's recommendation to deny the request. Chair Griffin said he felt that girls are slighted somewhat and he would like to make a motion to approve their request. The motion died for lack of a second. Commissioner Stevens made a motion to approve recommending approval of $300 in community funds be given to the spiritleaders: Commissioner Carlson seconded the motion. Commissioner Tatman asked what had been done for this group in the past. The Director responded they have received funds for the last five years which were approved by the City Council. Discussion followed. The motion to approve $300 in community funds was passed by the following vote: AYES: (3) Commissioners Carlson, Griffin and Stevens NOES: (1) Commissioner Allred ABSTAIN: (1) Commissioner Tatman since he has a niece on the squad. Ms. McGregor stated that other sports at Rancho Cotate received support from the school, but the spiritleaders receive nothing. Commissioner Allred corrected her stating that the swim team does not receive funding from the school either. The Spiritleaders said they try to support the community and would like to receive support in return. Some discussion followed on the time the girls put into practice and ways they support the community. The Director stated he supports the spiritleaders but due to reasons stated earlier he could not recommend their request. He advised this matter will go before the City Council at their March 1 lth meeting. GIRLS SOFTBALL REQUEST Marlene Bullard, representing the Rohnert Park Girls Softball executive board, reviewed the letter sent to the Commission requesting naming the softball diamond "1 Page - 2 Rohnert Park Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes February 24, 1997 at Eagle Park after George Geister. A copy of the letter is attached to the original copy of these minutes. The board would like to do this at not cost to the City which would include installing a plaque at ground level at the field. Director Pekkain stated that staff recommends approval of the request. Mr. Geister is very deserving of the honor as he has been active in girls softball for at least 26 years. He said he remembered a similar request for someone else which was approved back in the 70's. If approved, the league would need to coordinate installation of the plaque through the Public Works Department. Commissioner Stevens made a motion to accept the proposal to name the softball diamond at Eagle Park after George Geister. Commissioner Carlson seconded the motion. Chair Griffin said he was concerned that if the request is approved, it may open up a can of worms. Discussion followed and Commissioner Allred said she thinks this is different than the memorials the commission has been discussing. Commissioner Stevens said he thinks this is more like when someone retires. Ms. Bullard explained that Mr. Geister cares a lot about the league and they want to let him know how much they appreciate all he has done. Commissioner Tatman said this seems more like the field is being dedicated to Mr. Geister by the league, not renaming of the field by the city, and he did not see a problem with that. Discussion continued. Commissioner Stevens accepted a friendly amendment to the original motion "that inasmuch as Mr. Geister has served at least 25 years in the league," the commission recommends approval of the leagues request to name the softball diamond at Eagle Park after George Geister. The motion was approved by the following vote: AYES: (4) Commissioners Allred, Carlson, Stevens and Tatman NOES: (1) Commissioner Griffin BAMBINO BASEBALL REQUEST FOR IMPROVEMENTS Dave Castillo, representative for Rohnert Park Bambino Baseball, referred the commission to drawings and the league's request to make improvements at Al, D and M baseball diamonds. A copy of the request is attached to the original copy of these minutes. Mr. Castillo stated the league would make these improvements, money permitting, at no cost to the city. All work would be done by a licensed contractor. Some discussion followed. Page - 3 Rohnert Park Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes February 24, 1997 UNSCHEDULED PUBLIC APPEARANCES Rick Luttmann, Bicycle Committee Director Pekkain asked about the vinyl slats which would be installed at M Park, Mr. Castillo responded by saying they will match the existing fence. The only thing he thought might be a problem would be graffiti. If this does become a problem, the slats would be removed. Commissioner Allred asked if the league is planning on doing all these projects this year or if this is just a wish list. Mr. Castillo said the league will do all the projects, money permitting. Most of the materials are donated, but the slats may not be installed if there is not enough money. The Director said staff supports the league's request with the condition that all work be coordinated with the Public Works and Building Departments. Commissioner Stevens made a motion that the request for improvements be approved for A1, D and M Park baseball fields. 'Commissioner Allred seconded the motion which was unanimously approved. The Director stated the request will be scheduled for the City Council meeting of March 11. Mr. Castillo said the league would like to have the projects completed by opening day. IN Rick Luttmann, representative for the Bicycle Committee, stated he was attending tonight's meeting because he wants to stay in touch with the Commission. He mentioned he had received the Recreation Department's spring activity guide and noted there was nothing in there about bicycling. He said Rohnert Park is a good bicycling city with good weather, good trails, and with a 15 year plan for more trails. He informed the commission a new colored bike trail map is available through the bike shops and wanted to suggest including some bicycle activities in the activity guide since there are several clubs in the area. He also suggested sponsoring a workshop on bicycle safety once or twice a year. The Bicycle Committee would be happy to work with the commission. Commissioner Stevens asked if the map could be included in the Recreation Department's activity guide. Director Pekkain said he will see if this can be done. The guide is currently published for free by the Community Voice, and the Director said he will follow up with the Voice. Commissioner Stevens said the Boy Scouts have a bike rodeo once a year when they discuss bike safety. He asked Mr. Luttmann if children are still being cited. Mr. Luttmann responded this is one of the concerns the Bicycle Committee has shared with Public Safety that more citations should be written. He said many people do not know the rules. Commissioner Allred asked if the Committee has "1 Page - 4 Rohnert Park Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes February 24, 1997 gone to the schools regarding bicycle safety. Mr. Luttmann said yes, this has been done through the Public Safety Department. Chair Griffin told Mr. Luttmann the Commission lost its liaison to the Bicycle C 'mmittee put will check to see if one of the commissioners is available to attend th� meetings. Mr. Luttmann said the meetings are on Tuesdays at 3 p.m. Discussion followed on having some type of bike awareness activity which previously have been handled by the Public Safety Department. Mr. Luttmann said the committee has discussed possible penalties to violations of the bicycle code including having a bicycle school similar to a driving school which could be an option after receiving a violation. SENIOR CENTER Director Pekkain passed around some reports for the Commission's information. ROBERTS LAKE MEMORIAL GROVE Commissioner Allred referred the Commission to the engraved stone information that had been included in their packet and the memo prepared by Director Pekkain. Copies of both are attached to the original copy of these minutes. .� The Director reported the Mayor had received a letter regarding the earlier guidelines prepared by the Commission, copy of which is attached to the original copy of these minutes. He stated the first guidelines for memorials were more restrictive than those being proposed for Roberts Lake. Discussion followed. Commissioner Allred explained rather than placing a rock with a plaque on it, the Committee is now recommending using a large granite plaque in the center of the walkway with bricks surrounding the granite as illustrated in the sample. Commissioner Allred provided the director with additional information on the cost of the granite. Discussion followed on any restrictions which would be placed on those being honored. The Committee members stated they felt that no restrictions should be placed on those honored. Chair Griffin said this recommendation could be presented to the City Council at their March 1 lth meeting, but he will be out of town and he would like to be present during the Council's discussion. Director Pekkain suggested presenting this matter to the City Council at their March 25th meeting. After discussion the committee members set a meeting for Wednesday, March 5th, at 7:30 p.m. at the Community Center to discuss their presentation to the City Council. Page - 5 Rohnert Park Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes February 24, 1997 Commissioner Stevens made a motion to accept the committee's recommendation with the changes suggested. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Carlson and unanimously approved. REPORTS FROM THE DIRECTOR OF RECREATION Monthly Reports Director Pekkain discussed the monthly attendance increases at the Sports Center. Some discussion followed. All other monthly reports were accepted without comment. Sports Center State- ment of Revenues and Expenditures Director Pekkain advised there was a 98.2% increase in revenue over the same time of previous year. CPRS Conference Director Pekkain reported all hotel reservations for the upcoming CPRS Conference have been confirmed and advised any changes should be made directly with the hotel. Discussion followed. CPRS Awards Dinner The Director reminded the commissioners of the CPRS Awards and Installation Dinner being held on March 1 at the Rohnert Park Community Center. 1997 Pool Fees and Schedule Commissioner Allred asked how the senior and disability season pool pass figures were computed. She stated it isn't 40% less than the individual pass, and she thought it should be able to be easily explained. After discussion, Commissioner Allred made a motion to accept the fees and schedule with the understanding on how the senior and disability rates were computed. Commissioner Stevens seconded the motion which was unanimously approved. Youth League Financial Reports After reviewing reports submitted by Bambino Baseball, Pee Wee Baseball, Babe Ruth and Rancho Cotati Little Leagues, the Commission requested that the Director request another report from Bambino prepared on the form provided by the City, and the Pee Wee report needs to be for the full year of 1996. Director Pekkain said he will follow up with both leagues. The Commission tabled discussion of the Babe Ruth League report until March since it had not been received until this meeting. Commissioner Tatman suggested that the leagues include the ages each league covers. Recreation Facility Priorities Director Pekkain referred the Commission to the Recreation Facility Priorities list which had been mailed to them and stated the list has not been reviewed since Page - 6 bo -*N Rohnert Park Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes February 24, 1997 October of 1995. (A copy of the priority list is attached to the original copy of these minutes.) He advised the first priority has been completed, but the other items are still in line. He asked if the Commission wanted to review the priority list and discuss it at their March meeting. The Commission concurred. The Director stated if the list is revised, it needs to be completed so that it can be included in the next fiscal year's budget. NYSCA Report The Director gave a brief background of the National Youth Sports Coaches Association (NYSCA) requirements for the new commissioners and presented the report showing how many coaches have been certified su far this year from the various youth leagues. A copy of the report is attached to the original copy of these minutes. Director Pekkain advised that according to the requirements set by the Park and Recreation Commission, if the Pee Wee Baseball League does not meet the minimum requirement this year, it will be the second year in a row, and the penalty would be $1 per player. Discussion followed. The Director said the leagues are still working on meeting the goals, and make-up clinics are scheduled in March. He said he will be sending letters to the leagues this week reminding them if they have not met the requirements. Commissioner Tatman said he felt if the Rancho Cotati Little League is going to be using Rohnert Park fields, they should be involved in the NYSCA program. Director Pekkain advised they are participating and will be attending clinics in March. Marketing the Benefits of Recreation Director Pekkain presented a video, "Marketing the Benefits of Recreation" for the commission. After viewing, the commission asked if the video can be made available for the City Council's viewing. The Director said it could be and may be presented at an economic conference being set up by Assistant City Manager, Carl Leivo. MATTERS FROM COMMISSIONERS Commission Committee Appointments Commissioner Tatman offered to fill the committee appointments vacated by former commissioner, Jim Plaisted, to which the Commission agreed. Additional Tennis Courts at M Park Director Pekkain suggested discussing this matter when the recreation priorities list is discussed at the commission's March meeting. The commission concurred. Page - 7 Rohnert Park Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes February 24, 1997 Acknowledgment of Commissioner Plaisted After discussion, the Commission agreed to get together for lunch to acknowledge former Commissioner Jim Plaisted's 12 years of service. The Director informed Years of Service the Commission that the city manager may wish to attend. Public Safety Annual Report Commissioner Stevens asked the Director if there is an annual report from Public Safety on crime and/or vandalism in the parks. The Director said he will check with Public Safety and report back to the commission. Commissioner Stevens said, if possible, he would like this information annually. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 9:40 p.m. to a regular meeting on Monday, March 17, at 7:30 p.m. to be held in the City Hall council chambers, 6750 Commerce Blvd. Chairman Secretary Page - 8 bo -N